A fresh twist in the Xavi Hernandez to Barcelona saga has been forthcoming late on Friday night.
Koeman departs
The subject of the hotseat at the Camp Nou has of course taken its place centre stage in the European media chatter over the last 48 hours.
This comes on the back of the trigger finally being pulled on the long-awaited dismissal of Ronald Koeman.
After a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Rayo Vallecano, a result which leaves the Blaugrana battling amidst the unheard of depths of mid-table in La Liga, Joan Laporta and co. came to the decision that Dutchman Koeman no longer represented the right man to lead the club forward into a new era.
In turn, an official statement was forthcoming late on Wednesday night, detailing the following:
FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach. The president of the club, Joan Laporta, informed him of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano. Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva.
FC Barcelona wishes to thank him for his service to the Club and wishes him all the best in his professional career.
FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 27, 2021
Xavi latest
On the back of Koeman’s exit, meanwhile, attentions amongst the Barcelona fanbase have since swiftly, and altogether understandably, shifted towards just who is set to be chosen as the man to replace the one-time Blaugrana star on the club’s bench.
Whilst the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Martinez have been linked, there has of course long been a clear-cut front-runner in the Camp Nou sweepstakes.
The tactician in question? Xavi Hernandez.
Xavi, an icon in the eyes of any with even remote connections to the capital of Catalunya, has, according to reports, been identified as the clear first-choice to take up the reins at the Camp Nou by those in a position of power.
Fresh updates in the media on Thursday even went as far as to suggest that an agreement had been found between the two parties.
DOHA, QATAR – DECEMBER 17: Al-Sadd SC head coach Xabvier Hernandez looks on prior to the match between Al-Sadd SC and ES Tunis at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
As outlined above, however, late on Friday night, a fresh twist in the tale has been forthcoming.
This comes after Qatari giants Al Sadd, the club with whom Xavi has been earning his managerial stripes for the last two years, released a statement, in response to the speculation surrounding their headmaster.
Taking to the club’s social media platforms, Al Sadd reiterated the fact that Xavi remains tied to the terms of a two-year contract in Doha.
Not only that, but it is added that the Spaniard is ‘fully focused’ on his side’s upcoming stretch of fixtures, as Al Sadd go about maintaining their spot atop the Qatari Stars League:
In response to what’s circulating recently, the #AlSadd management reaffirms that Xavi has a two-year contract with the club and is fully focused on the team’s upcoming matches, to maintain our lead at the top of the league and to defend the title.#AlwaysAlSadd pic.twitter.com/dJP4g0xZBx
— 🏆 #76 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) October 29, 2021
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